Bell’s “Shark Tank” episode was featured in the premiere of season 16, so we caught up with him to chat about his experience, the deal he secured, and why he chose to launch his brand in the Capital City.
Rethinking how people move
Inspired in part by Pokémon GO, Card.io allows users (and their friends) to engage in a virtual turf war and “claim” blocks of town by walking, running, and moving through them.
While working in marketing with companies like the NBA and Old Spice, Bell sent a cold message to the CEO of Pokémon GO John Hanke detailing his idea. After a couple of months of back-and-forth communication, Hanke offered him a $50,000 grant to fund the app.
From there — with the encouragement of his mentors and family — Bell said he dropped everything to focus on Card.io, which launched in January 2023.
The path to “Shark Tank”
Bell said he’s been watching “Shark Tank” since he was 10 years old, and at age 16, he professed to his mother that he would someday appear on the pitch show. That dream meant that when recruiters reached out to get him on the show, he originally thought it was a scam.
Bell and his mother, Sharon, shared an emotional moment when they were able to close their deal with Daymond John (left) and Rashaun Williams (right).
Photo by Christopher Willard, via Shark Tank ABC
The moment came full circle when he took his mom, Sharon, onto the show alongside him, asking for $150,000 for a 5% stake in the company. Ultimately, Sharks Rashaun Williams and Daymond John offered $150,000 for 15% stake in the company, and Bell took the deal.
“It was unbelievably emotional — it was a dream come true,” Bell said.
“Halloween” (1978) | Times vary | Alamo Drafthouse - Lakeline, Slaughter, and Mueller | $7+ | Enjoy a screening of this classic slasher to get you in the mood for Halloween.
“Saved by the Bell” Pop-Up Bar | Now-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | Swim Club | Cost of purchase | Enjoy themed cocktails, snacks, and a thoroughly ‘90s atmosphere.
Taylor Swift Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Upstairs at Caroline | Cost of purchase | Put your Swiftie knowledge to the test while sipping Taylor Swift-themed cocktails and listening to the superstar’s discography.
Rachael Yamagata | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at 3TEN | $25+ | Catch a show from the singer/songwriter with special guest Sandy Bell.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Scaryoke | 7-11 p.m. | Vacancy Brewing | Cost of purchase | Sing your heart out (if you dare) at this Halloween event — and be sure to dress up as the artist behind your favorite track.
Halloween on the Edge | 8-11:59 p.m. | Edge Rooftop | $40 | Dance ‘til you’re dead to DJ beats on the dance floor, sip themed cocktails, and dress to impress for a costume contest.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Día de los Huesos | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Texas Science & Natural History Museum | $0+ | Uncover a bone-afide day of festivities for all ages at Day of the Bones, featuring face painting, performances, scavenger hunts, hands-on activities, in-person fossil identification, and more.*
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News Notes
News Notes
Community
Bulk trash collection will switch to on-demand service starting in January. Austin Resource Recovery will allow each address to schedule three collection times each year, and launch a new household hazardous waste collection service. (KXAN)
Opening
Other Racquet Social Club’s bar will reopen to the public on Friday, Nov. 1, after temporarily closing due to permitting issues. The bar will also feature the debut of Bill’s Dips, a food truck from the Bill’s Oyster team, serving burgers, chili cheese dogs, queso, and soft-serve ice cream.
Weather
The forecast is calling for a warm and rainy Halloween night. Don’t expect it to get any cooler than 65º and keep an umbrella at the ready if you’re trick-or-treating — there’s a 50% chance of rain. (KVUE)
Eat
Tacodeli customers can get a free cup of Cuvée coffee with any purchase now through Monday, Nov. 11. The deal is meant to celebrate the local brands’ new partnership — and how well the two pair together. (Austin American-Statesman)
Outdoors
Friday, Nov. 1 is Texas Arbor Day. Head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 for a free celebration of trees, including a tree climbing demo, information on careers as an arborist, and species identification workshops.
Trending
Did you see Eminem enjoy a “Mom’s Spaghetti” birthday cake while in Austin for Formula 1? The last month has been jam-packed with celebrity sightings — like Dua Lipa, Jenna Bush Hager, and Charles Leclerc — with ACL, F1, and football season in swing. Get the goss.
Sports
The Cowboys are 3-4 after losing to the San Francisco 49ers — does that spell trouble for the rest of the season? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
One iconic stage, two venues, and all Austin. We’ve given you the scoop on three ways Austinites can experience the state-of-the-art local landmark, ACL Live (think: upcoming shows, an all-new tour experience, private events, and more). Get the details.*
Noise filtering, nearly invisible, rechargeable, long-lasting: Check, check, check, and check. This tiny hearing device turns noise into clarity, isolating the voices you care about for crystal-clear convos.*
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
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Culture
🧡 Feliz Día de los Muertos
The steps of the Moody Amphitheater will be turned into an enormous altar on Saturday. | Photo by Ryan Vestil
Día de los Muertos is right around the corner, and Austinites are beginning to assemble their ofrendas. Originating in Mexico, this event will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 this year.
There will be plenty of ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Austin this year.
Día de los Muertos | Friday, Nov. 1 | 6-10 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater | Free | Take part in the celebration with a community altar, live performances from Ballet Folklorico MariCruz, local vendors, and themed drinks.
Muertos Mercado | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Republic Square Park | Free | Peruse more than 30 local vendors, eat pan de muerto, tamales, and dulces, and watch Aztec dancers from Danza Xochilli perform.
Día de los Muertos Festival | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 12-9 p.m | Centennial Plaza, Round Rock | This event, in support of the Round Rock Ballet Folklórico, features a full lineup of performances, magic shows, a parade, and altar contests.
A 60% off deal on an LED floor lamp perfect for your entertaining space. The minimalist lamp can be set to dozens of color combinations + light effects for the exact ambience you desire.
I’m pretty excited to see Matthew McConaughey on the lineup for the Texas Book Festival this year. I read his book, “Greenlights,” during the winter storm of 2021 and learned a lot about him. If you’re into reading celebrity memoirs like me, it’s definitely worth a try.
